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Incremental discovery may one day lead to photosynthetic breakthrough

Researchers discovered that CP12 regulates enzymes GAPDH and PRK, allowing plants to respond to changing light levels. Removing all three forms of the protein results in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and smaller plant yield.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateJun 29, 2017

Sound waves direct particles to self-assemble, self-heal

Scientists at Berkeley Lab demonstrated how particles synchronize in response to acoustic waves, exhibiting a phononic bandgap that emerged only when collectively organized. The study provides a simple platform to study non-equilibrium systems and could lead to the development of intelligent networks with sentient-like decision making.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 19, 2017

Holes drilled in shells point to bigger predators picking on small prey

The study found a strong correlation between predator size and the diameter of drill holes, suggesting that larger predators have hunted smaller prey in the past. The researchers believe that growing bigger predators may not need to switch to larger targets due to more nutritious small prey.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New tool measures resilience in adolescent Syrian refugees

Researchers at Yale University developed a brief and reliable survey tool to measure resilience in children and adolescents displaced by the Syrian conflict. The tool identifies individual, family, and cultural sources of strength and asks respondents to rate statements on a five-point scale.

SourceYale University·JournalChild Development·DateJun 15, 2017

Drill holes in fossil shells point to bigger predators picking on small prey

Researchers found that as predators grew in size, they targeted smaller prey rather than larger quarry, suggesting a shift in ecological dynamics. The study's findings support the escalation hypothesis, which posits that top-down pressure from larger predators drove key evolutionary developments in prey species.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

The soft touch

Omar Saleh, a UCSB professor, has been awarded the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award for his work on soft and biological matter. He will use the €45,000 award to collaborate with German researchers on a long-term project focused on artificial DNA systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJun 14, 2017

Spouses' daily responses to partners' pain linked with later functioning

A new study found that spouses' empathic responses to their partners' pain improve the partner's physical functioning over time. Patients with spouses who provided emotional support and attention showed better balance, gait speed, and ability to rise from a chair compared to those with less responsive spouses.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 12, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Scientists develop molecular code for melanin-like materials

Researchers at CUNY's ASRC developed a new approach to produce materials that mimic melanin's properties, providing unprecedented control over expressing specific properties of the biopolymer. This discovery could enable the development of innovative cosmetic and biomedical products.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalScience·DateJun 8, 2017

Scientists to probe dolphin intelligence using an interactive touchpad

Researchers are using an underwater touchscreen to investigate dolphin communication, cognitive abilities and social behavior. The system provides dolphins with choice and control over activities, enabling scientists to decode their vocal communication and gain insights into their way of thinking.

SourceThe City University of New York·DateMay 30, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Frequency modulation accelerates the research of quantum technologies

Researchers at Aalto University and University of Oulu review the physics of frequency modulation in various quantum systems. The study highlights its importance in developing more accurate quantum devices and faster quantum gates for near-future small-scale quantum computers.

SourceAalto University·JournalReports on Progress in Physics·DateMay 30, 2017

Scientists to probe dolphin intelligence using an interactive touchpad

A team of scientists from Rockefeller University and Hunter College has developed an interactive underwater touchscreen to investigate dolphin intelligence and communication. The system allows dolphins to choose activities and make decisions, providing insights into their cognitive abilities and potential for symbolic communication.

SourceRockefeller University·DateMay 25, 2017

Biosynthetic secrets: How fungi make bioactive compounds

Biological engineers at Utah State University have successfully decoded and reprogrammed fungal biosynthetic machinery to produce natural compounds with anti-cancer, anti-microbial and anti-cholesterol properties. The team has reproduced several bio-active compounds in engineered microbes, including beauvericin and bassianolide.

SourceUtah State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 23, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Untangling the genetic legacy of tomato domestication

Researchers identified two genes that contribute to extreme branching in tomatoes, but found a way to use these genes to create improved plants with increased fruit yields. The study's findings could have implications for other crops in the same genus as tomatoes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 18, 2017

'Moving Trades' Project receives 204,800 Euros in funding

The 'Moving Trades' project investigates the impact of international labor migration on skill formation in Norway, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. The study aims to understand how migrant workers influence firms' training behavior and potential institutional changes in vocational training.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·DateMay 12, 2017

'Hot' electrons don't mind the gap

Researchers found that hot electrons can create a photovoltage about a thousand times larger than what is seen if there is no gap. The discovery shows the potential for nanoscale photodetectors to convert light into electricity and sensors or other sophisticated electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 8, 2017

Best paper award for IST Austria Cryptographers and their collaborators

Researchers Joël Alwen and Krzysztof Pietrzak proved the existence of memory-hard functions, essential for securing password servers and decentralized cryptocurrencies. Their work enhances understanding of these functions and increases trust in using scrypt for password hashing.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·DateMay 4, 2017
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Modified soybeans yield more in future climate conditions

Researchers have engineered soybeans to withstand increased temperature and carbon dioxide levels, resulting in higher yields in future climate conditions. The modified crops outperformed conventional soybeans in field studies conducted at SoyFACE, a facility emulating future atmospheric conditions.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateMay 3, 2017

Researchers develop recycling for carbon fiber composites

A new chemical recycling method has been developed to recycle carbon fiber composites, which are difficult to break down or recycle. The method uses mild acids and low temperatures to break down the thermosets, preserving the carbon fibers in a useful form that can be easily reused.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPolymer Degradation and Stability·DateMay 2, 2017

Ripples in the cosmic web

A team of astronomers has made the first measurements of small-scale ripples in primeval hydrogen gas, using rare double quasars. The results provide important clues about the temperature of gas in the cosmic web just a few billion years after the Big Bang.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateApr 27, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Recognizing foreign accents helps brains process accented speech

Researchers found that increased familiarity with a foreign accent leads to better sentence processing and trains the acoustic system to process accented speech. Listeners who correctly identified the accent responded similarly to grammar and vocabulary errors in both native and foreign-accented sentences.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Neurolinguistics·DateApr 20, 2017

Termite gut holds a secret to breaking down plant biomass

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that termite gut efficiently breaks down lignin, a hard-to-degrade polymer. The termites' symbiotic system with fungus breaks down biomass in just 3.5 hours, holding a key to improving biofuel and paper production.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Gene-editing alternative corrects Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center successfully corrected Duchenne muscular dystrophy using the gene-editing enzyme CRISPR-Cpf1. The treatment restored production of the missing dystrophin protein, providing a promising new tool for treating this progressive disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 12, 2017

New method for 3-D printing extraterrestrial materials

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel 3D printing method that uses simulants of Martian and lunar dust to create flexible, elastic, and tough structures. The method, known as 3D-painting, enables the creation of functional objects such as habitats and building blocks using local resources.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateApr 12, 2017

Honey bees have sharper eyesight than we thought

Research reveals that honey bees can see objects as small as 1.9°, 30% better than previously recorded, and detect smaller details, improving navigation and survival. This discovery has implications for understanding insect vision and could aid in designing bio-inspired robotics.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateApr 6, 2017

When peaceful coexistence suddenly turns into competition

Researchers found that warmer temperatures led to the extinction of smaller springtail species, while larger species survived due to their ability to adapt and escape predators. This study highlights the complex interactions between species under climate change conditions.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·DateApr 6, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Wise plant analysis

A new database of plant metabolites and computer tool have been developed to identify healthful antioxidants in tomato skins. The researchers found that valuable substances produced by exotic plants may be derived from more common species, and these findings suggest a broader range of potential uses for plant metabolism.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2017

Algorithms can exploit human perception in graph design

Researchers have developed an algorithm to automatically improve the design of scatterplots by exploiting models and measures of human perception. The optimized designs effectively communicate relationships between two data variables, reducing unintended miscommunication.

SourceAalto University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·DateApr 5, 2017

Drought linked with human health risks in US analysis

A new Yale-led study reveals a connection between drought exposure and adverse human health among older adults in the US. Researchers found that severe drought conditions increase the risk of mortality among adults 65 or over, as well as cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in areas where droughts are rare.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateApr 4, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

People remain calm as the world ends, video game study suggests

A new study on ArcheAge players found that despite violent acts, most exhibited prosocial behavior, strengthening social relationships and forming new ones. The study provides insights for game designers on how to reduce player churners and offers a realistic view of end-of-world scenarios.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateMar 20, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

The 2017 HFSP start-up laboratories

The Human Frontier Science Program has selected 10 researchers to receive the prestigious Career Development Award for their innovative projects. The award will provide $300,000 over three years to establish independent laboratories and promote intercontinental collaboration.

SourceHuman Frontier Science Program·DateMar 17, 2017

Human antibody for Zika virus promising for treatment, prevention

Researchers have determined the structure of a human antibody bound to Zika virus, revealing how it interferes with the infection mechanism. The findings suggest the antibody is effective even at low concentrations, making it more potent than previous antibodies.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2017

Nose form was shaped by climate

The study found that nose width is strongly correlated with temperature and humidity levels in different climates, suggesting a role for natural selection in shaping nose shape. The researchers also identified differences between men and women in nose features across populations.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 16, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Diving with the sharks

A new study by University of California - Santa Barbara researchers found that sharks can interact with humans without long-term behavioral impacts. The research used video surveys to monitor shark abundance and behavior at sites with and without a history of scuba diving, revealing no significant differences.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMar 13, 2017

Break the two-hour marathon record? It could be done today

Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder have calculated that a sub-two-hour marathon time is theoretically possible. To achieve this, athletes would need to wear shoes around 100 grams lighter than the current world record holder's shoes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalSports Medicine·DateMar 6, 2017

Game theory could improve cyberwarfare strategy

A new framework guided by game theory, known as the Blame Game, can help policymakers decide whether to retaliate against a cyber attack. The framework considers vulnerability and potential consequences of assigning blame, helping nations make informed decisions in the face of increasing cybersecurity threats.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Let it glow

Researchers at OIST have developed a new strategy for producing photoluminescent compounds by combining the flexibility of weak aggregation-driven complexes with the controllability of conventional metal-ligand systems. This results in molecules that can be tuned to emit light of specific colors based on their structure.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateFeb 26, 2017

New polymer additive could revolutionize plastics recycling

A new multiblock polymer has been developed that can combine polyethylene and polypropylene, two materials that have different chemical structures and cannot be repurposed together. When added in small measure to a mix of the two materials, the resulting material shows superior mechanical properties.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateFeb 23, 2017

Forests worldwide threatened by drought

Researchers found that tree death due to drought is consistent across environments worldwide, with denser wood and smaller leaves providing better resistance. Climate change implications include increased tree mortality and future global warming.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 22, 2017

Counting sharks

A team of scientists from UC Santa Barbara and colleagues conducted an eight-year study on a healthy shark population on Palmyra atoll. They found a significantly lower density of grey reef sharks than previously estimated, with around 20 sharks per square kilometer.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 21, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Yeast found in babies' guts increases risk of asthma

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered a strong link between yeast in babies' guts and an increased risk of developing asthma. The presence of Pichia, a microscopic fungus or yeast, was more strongly linked to asthma than previously identified gut bacteria.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateFeb 17, 2017

Making sodium-ion batteries that last

Researchers have created a high-performance anode material for sodium-ion batteries, enabling them to operate at 83% capacity over 900 cycles. The breakthrough could lead to safer and more cost-effective large-scale energy storage solutions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 15, 2017